Anglican Communion News Service

Draft legislation for women bishops has been released by General Synod Standing Committee in preparation for the next General Synod meeting in July 2001. The bill, based on the 1992 church law for women priests will, if passed, remove any legal doubt about the validity of consecrating women bishops. A striking feature of these proposals is that they will offer a mechanism to provide alternative episcopal ministry to clergy and parishes unable in conscience to accept the ministry of a woman bishop appointed or elected to their diocese. The legislation is the result of a long and careful process of consultation around the Australian Anglican Church.

The legislation has been produced by a representative working group set up by General Synod Standing Committee. The chair of the working group, Dr Muriel Porter of Melbourne, said she was 'delighted' that such a hopeful outcome had been possible in what was potentially a divisive issue. 'I believe we have worked together honestly, openly and creatively to produce this result,' she said. 'We now have a form of legislation to allow women to be consecrated bishops, and at the same time provided a way of offering pastorally-sensitive alternative episcopal care for clergy and parishioners unable to accept the ministry of a woman bishop. This alternative care will not, however, compromise the authority of women bishops, or sideline those to whom it ministers. With continuing goodwill, cooperation, and mutual respect, we should be able to live and work together as one Church when some dioceses have women bishops. The fact that all members of General Synod Standing Committee were able to support this legislation going forward for debate in Brisbane next July is evidence of the real spirit of reconciliation that has produced this excellent outcome.'

The alternative episcopal ministry provided for in the legislation will be diocesan-based and provincially-managed. A parish would be able to seek alternative oversight only with a high level of support: the Incumbent, churchwardens and a majority of parishioners (voting at two specially-convened meetings) would have to agree. The formal request would then be passed by the diocesan bishop to the provincial bishops, who would together select a suitable bishop. Normally a bishop already within the diocese or province would be selected. A high degree of collegial respect and cooperation between diocesan bishops, and bishops providing alternative ministry, would be expected.